📍 Location & Case Overview
Date: August 8, 2025
Location: Franklin Road, Denville, New Jersey
Involved: Marcy B. Levinson, 60, resident of Morris Plains, NJ
Charges: DUI (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50), Careless Driving, Reckless Driving
On the night of August 8th, 2025, Denville police officers responded to what seemed like a routine assistance call — a vehicle stuck on the roadside.
When officers arrived, they found a black Volkswagen Jetta lodged in a pile of wood chips. Behind the wheel was 60-year-old banker Marcy Levinson, who claimed she had “just one glass of wine” after dinner at a friend’s house in Danville.
Table of Contents
🚔 What Happened Before Police Arrived
According to the official police report, Levinson had been driving home from a dinner gathering when her vehicle veered off the road while negotiating a curve. The car slid off the pavement and got stuck in the muddy shoulder.
Her daughter, who arrived shortly after, called police for help believing it was just a mechanical issue — unaware that the situation would soon turn into a DUI investigation.
🎥 Inside the Bodycam Footage
The released body-worn-camera footage shows officers approaching the scene calmly.
When asked what happened, Levinson explained that she “just got stuck” and wasn’t injured.
However, the officers soon noticed signs of impairment — slurred speech, unsteady balance, and glassy eyes.
She admitted to having a single glass of wine, but when field sobriety tests began, she failed multiple segments — including the walk-and-turn and one-leg stand tests. Officers then escorted her back to the patrol car for a formal breath test.
📊 BAC Test & Legal Findings
At Denville Police Headquarters, officers administered an Alcotest, which showed her Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) at 0.14% — nearly 1.75× over New Jersey’s legal limit of 0.08%.
Levinson was subsequently charged with:
- Driving While Intoxicated (DUI)
- Careless Driving
- Reckless Driving
- Failure to Maintain Lane
After processing, she was released to her daughter and scheduled to appear in court on September 4, 2025.
⚖️ Legal & Human Perspective
This case underscores how a simple roadside incident can quickly escalate when alcohol is involved.
Even experienced, responsible individuals — like a 60-year-old banker — can face severe consequences for driving under the influence.
Under New Jersey law, a BAC above 0.10% can lead to license suspension, hefty fines, and mandatory ignition-interlock installation.
🧠 Expert Commentary
Traffic safety experts emphasize that “just one drink” can impair judgment, especially for older drivers or those taking prescription medications.
In this case, Levinson admitted to using Prozac, a medication that can enhance the effects of alcohol — making her more impaired than she realized.
📜 Conclusion
What began as a call for help turned into an arrest that night in Denville.
The bodycam footage captures not just a routine DUI stop — but a reminder that driving under the influence can happen to anyone, at any age.
🔗 Transparency Note (for Trust & Fair Use)
This article is based on publicly available police body-worn-camera footage and official Denville Police Department reports obtained under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA).
All information is shared for educational and informational purposes to promote transparency and public awareness.
Police Report
